What to Wear to Your First Office Job as a Man

The goal is not to dress older than you are, nor to erase your personality. It is to look considered. Thoughtful. Someone who understands the codes of the workplace and respects them, while leaving room to refine and evolve.

Start with the Language of the Office

Before buying anything, understand the environment. Offices speak different dialects of dress: corporate formal, business casual, creative professional. On your first day, it is always safer to be marginally overdressed than underprepared. A jacket can be removed; a lack of polish cannot be added mid-morning.

At its core, office dressing is about coherence. Clean lines, neutral tones, controlled silhouettes. Loudness—whether in color, logos, or trend—rarely reads as confidence at the beginning of a career.

The Foundation: Shirts, Trousers, and Shoes

A well-chosen shirt does most of the work for you. Opt for button-down or spread-collar shirts in white, pale blue, or soft stripes. Cotton poplin or twill offers structure without stiffness; avoid anything overly slim or fashion-driven. The shirt should skim the body, not cling.

Trousers should be tailored but not tight. Navy, mid-grey, and charcoal form a dependable rotation. Wool blends are ideal—they drape cleanly, resist creasing, and instantly elevate the look compared to cotton chinos alone. Hem length matters: a slight break at the shoe is timeless and forgiving.

Shoes anchor the outfit. Leather oxfords or derbies in black or dark brown are safest, while loafers work well in less formal offices. Keep them polished. Worn shoes suggest inattention, regardless of how good the rest of the outfit may be.

The Jacket Question: Yes, Even If It’s Optional

Even in offices where tailoring is “optional,” a jacket communicates intent. A navy blazer or charcoal wool jacket instantly sharpens simple trousers and a shirt. Look for soft shoulders, moderate lapels, and minimal padding—details that feel modern without chasing trends.

If suits are required, start with one: navy or mid-grey, single-breasted, two buttons. Nothing experimental. This is not the moment for cropped trousers or exaggerated proportions. Reliability is the luxury here. Knitwear and Layers: Quiet Sophistication

Knitwear and Layers: Quiet Sophistication

Fine-gauge knitwear is invaluable, especially in offices with unpredictable air conditioning. Merino wool crewnecks or V-necks layered over a shirt feel thoughtful and restrained. Stick to neutrals—grey, navy, camel—and avoid bulky textures or visible branding.

A cardigan can work in creative or academic settings, but keep the fit clean and the palette muted.

Grooming, Fit, and the Details That Matter

The most expensive wardrobe fails without proper fit. Spend money on tailoring before you spend it on variety. Sleeve length, trouser break, and shoulder fit quietly separate polish from approximation.

Belts should match shoes. Socks should be dark and intentional. Watches should be understated—leather strap, modest case, no theatrics. Grooming matters just as much: neat hair, clean shave or well-kept facial hair, and pressed clothing signal discipline.

Think Long-Term, Not Instagram

Your first office wardrobe should age well—not just physically, but professionally. Trends move quickly; reputations do not. Aim to look like someone who understands the room and respects it. Over time, as your role and confidence grow, your wardrobe can loosen, sharpen, and express more of you.

For now, let your clothes say this: I take this seriously. I’m here to learn. And I understand the difference between standing out and standing well.

That, ultimately, is the most stylish impression you can make.